Power supply unit with switch-on/off facility for powering radio equipment

ABSTRACT

A power supply unit with a switch on/off facility for powering radio equipment is disclosed. The power supply unit includes an input portion having keys, a power generating circuit for generating power, and a switch connected to the power generating circuit for turning on and off the power to the radio equipment. The power supply unit further includes a disabling portion for disabling the on/off switch in response to operation of a predetermined one of the input portion keys.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/447,824filed May 23, 1995 which application is now pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a power supply unit, and moreparticularly to a power supply unit with a switch-on/off facility forpowering radio equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the case of radio equipment of the prior art, powering radioequipment is switched on or off by pressing the power supply key of thekeypad component of the radio equipment. Pressing the power supply keyto turn off the supply of power to radio equipment still being used forconversation naturally presents the inconvenience of breaking off thecall.

As a solution to this problem, for example, Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open Heisei 2-155320 discloses radio telephone equipment which isdesigned not shut off from power service during conversation even if thepower supply key is pressed. The radio telephone equipment includes atransceiver unit and a controller unit to be connected to thetransceiver unit. The transceiver unit includes a power supply forgenerating a power voltage, a power supply switch to be connected to thepower supply for supplying each circuit with the power voltage, a linestatus monitor for monitoring the line status of the radio telephoneequipment and a power supply line control circuit for on/off control ofthe power supply switch. The control unit includes a power supply keyand a power supply key input detection circuit to detect pressing of thepower supply key.

With such radio telephone equipment, when the power supply key of thecontrol unit is pressed while the power supply switch of the transceiverunit is on, the power supply key input detection circuit detects thepressing and outputs a detection signal to the power supply line controlcircuit of the transceiver unit. The line status monitor of thetransceiver unit outputs a line busy signal to the power supply linecontrol circuit while the call is still in progress on the radiotelephone equipment. The power supply line control circuit does not turnoff the power supply switch of the transceiver unit in cases where thedetection signal and the line busy signal are input thereto. On theother hand, in cases where the line is not occupied, the power supplyline control circuit turns off the power supply switch upon input of thedetection signal and a line non-busy signal.

An mentioned above, since the power supply line does not turn off thepower supply switch, during the conversation, even when the power supplykey is pressed, the call cannot be interrupted against the intention ofthe users. Radio telephone equipment, however, is sometimes left in abag, pocket or the like with the power supply switched on even withoutconversation, to be ready to receive calls. In the case where there isno conversation, the power service will be shut off if the power supplykey is pressed even against the intention of the user. Accordingly, thispresents the problem that the radio telephone equipment cannot receiveincoming call signals expected by the user.

In addition, such radio telephone equipment is designed in such a mannerthat the power supply switch is turned on when the power supply key ispressed. This naturally raises the possibility of lowering the powersupply battery saving efficiency due to an accidental continuous ONstate of the power supply during non-use periods of the radio telephoneequipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply unitwith a switch-on/off facility for powering radio equipment, which allowsdisabling of turn-off of the switch connected to a power generatorcircuit.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a power supplyunit which allows disabling of turn-on of the switch connected to apower generator circuit.

In order to accomplish the aforementioned objects, the power supply unitof the present invention includes a key pad with a plurality of keys, apower generator circuit for generating power, and a switch, connected tothe power generator circuit, for turning on and off power to the radioequipment. Furthermore, the power supply unit is equipped with adisabling circuit which disables the turn-on and turn-off of the switchin cases where a predetermined key of the key pad is operated.

Since this power supply unit is designed so that the turn-off of theswitch is disabled through operation of the plurality of keys of the keypad, the switch cannot be turned off against the intention of the userand thus the radio equipment on standby cannot fail to receive incomingcall signals. Also since this power supply unit is designed so that theturn-on of the switch is disabled through operation of the plurality ofkeys of the key pad, there is no risk of the power supply battery savingefficiency being imparted because of an accidental continuous ON stateof the power supply during non-use of the radio equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of radio equipment according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the keypad component shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrative of a method of setting switch-offdisabling mode by the controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrative of a method of turning off powersupply to the radio equipment by the controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrative of a method of turning off powersupply to the radio equipment by the controller according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrative of a method of setting switch-offdisabling mode by the controller according to a still another embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrative of a method of turning on and offpower supply to the radio equipment by the controller according to astill another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, the radio equipment includes a radio portion 1, a read onlymemory (ROM) 2, a random access memory (RAM) 3, a controller 4, anantenna 7, a power supply switch 8, a power supply 9 and a keypad 10.The controller 4 has a master CPU 5 and a slave CPU 6.

The antenna 7 receives a radio signal from a counter part of a radioequipment (not shown), outputs the received signal to the radio portion1, and further sends a modulated signal from the radio portion 1 to thecounter part of the radio equipment. The radio portion 1 demodulates thereceived signal from the antenna 7, outputs a demodulated signal to themaster CPU 5 in the controller 4, and further modulates a carrier with adigital signal from the master CPU 5 and outputs the modulated signal tothe antenna 7. The master CPU 5 decodes the demodulated signal from theradio portion 1, generates the digital signal, and provides the digitalsignal to the radio portion 1.

The ROM 2 stores information necessary for executing a variety offunctions of the master CPU 5. Based on the contents stored in the ROM2, the master CPU 5 works to output a switch-on instruction signal and aswitch-off instruction signal to the slave CPU 6 for turning on and offthe switch 8. Based on a switch-off control signal from the slave CPU 6,the master CPU 5 executes writing and clearance of switch-off disablingmode in the RAM 3.

The slave CPU 6 has a built-in ROM which stores information necessaryfor execution of a variety of controls by the slave CPU 6. The slave CPU6, in response to input of a power supply key-pressed signal from thekeypad 10, detects whether the switch 8 has been turned on, and outputsa detection signal to the master CPU 5. The slave CPU 6 turns on and offthe switch 8 based on the switch-on execution instruction signal and theswitch-off execution instruction signal from the master CPU 5. The slaveCPU 6 also outputs a switch-off control signal to the master CPU 5 whena switch-off control signal is inputted thereto from the keypad 10.

The master CPU 5 and the slave CPU 6 have, in addition to theaforementioned functions, a function of controlling the entire radioequipment, but explanation of this function was omitted since such typefunction is already known publicly and further has no direct connectionwith the present invention.

Most preferably the master CPU 5 is a microprocessor Z80, while theslave CPU 6 is μPD75008 manufactured by NEC.

The switch 8 is turned on and off by the slave CPU 6. The power supply 9supplies a power voltage to the radio portion 1, the ROM 2 and the RAM 3through the switch 8.

In FIG. 2, the keypad 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a set of operating keyswhich comprises ten keys 0-9, a memory key MR, a function key F, controlkeys # and * and a power supply key 11. When a predetermined key of theplurality of operating keys is operated, the keypad 10 outputs aswitch-off control signal to the slave CPU 6. When the power supply key11 is pressed, the keypad 10 outputs a power supply key-pressed signalto the slave CPU 6.

In FIG. 3, when the memory key MR and the function key F of the keypad10 are pressed in succession, the keypad 10 outputs a switch-off controlsignal to the slave CPU 6 (STEP 301).

Responding to this, the slave CPU 6 outputs a switch-off control signalto the master CPU 5 (STEP 302). With the switch-off control signalinputted, the master CPU 5 detects whether the switch-off disabling modeis stored in the RAM 3 (STEP 303).

Upon detection of the switch-off disabling mode in the RAM 3, the masterCPU 5 clears the switch-off disabling mode in the RAM 3 (STEP 304). Onthe other hand, the master CPU 5 writes the switch-off disabling mode inthe RAM 3 in cases where no switch-off disabling mode is detected in theRAM 3 (STEP 305).

As mentioned above, clearance and writing of the switch-off disablingmode in the RAM 3 may be executed by operation with the keypad component10. Specifically, the switch 8 cannot be turned off even when the powersupply key 11 is pressed while switch-off disabling mode is stored inthe RAM 3.

In FIG. 4, when the power supply key 11 is pressed, the keypad 10outputs a power supply key-pressed signal to the slave CPU 6 (STEP 401).In response to this signal, the slave CPU 6 detects whether the switch 8has been turned on (STEP 402).

Upon detection that the switch 8 has been turned on, the slave CPU 6outputs to the master CPU 5 a detection signal indicating that theswitch 8 is on and the power supply key 11 has been pressed (STEP 403).The master CPU 5, with the detection signal from the slave CPU 6inputted thereto, detects whether switch-off disabling mode is stored inthe RAM 3 (STEP 404).

The master CPU 5 terminates its operation at the moment it detects theswitch-off disabling mode in the RAM 3.

On the other hand, the master CPU 5 terminates call-breaking operation,as long as no switch-off disabling mode is detected in the RAM 3 (STEP405). The master CPU 5, upon completion of terminating call breakingoperation, outputs a switch-off execution instruction signal to theslave CPU 6 (STEP 406). The slave CPU 6 turns off the switch 8 in replyto the switch-off execution instruction signal from the master CPU 5(STEP 407).

The slave CPU 6, upon detection by the process in STEP 402 that theswitch 8 has been turned off, outputs to the master CPU 5 a detectionsignal indicating that the power supply key 11 has been pressed and thatthe switch 8 has been turned off (STEP 408).

The master CPU 5 outputs a switch-on execution instruction signal to theslave CPU 6 in response to the detection signal from the slave CPU 6(STEP 409). The slave CPU 6 turns on the switch 8 in response to theswitch-on execution instruction signal from the master CPU 5 (STEP 410).

As mentioned in detail above, the switch 8 cannot be turned off evenwhen the power supply key 11 is pressed, as long as a switch-offdisabling mode is stored in the RAM 3. As a result, the call is notinterrupted against the intention of the user.

Another embodiment of the present invention will now be explained indetail with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the slave CPU 6 clocks acertain time equal to that necessary for completion of terminating callbreaking operation of the master CPU 5, and then turns off the switch 8.

At the moment the power supply key 11 is pressed, the keypad 10 outputsa power supply key-pressed signal to the slave CPU 6 (STEP 501).Responding to this, the slave CPU 6 detects whether the switch 8 hasbeen turned on (STEP 502).

Upon detection of the turn-on of the switch 8, the slave CPU 6 outputs adetection signal which indicates that the turn-on of the switch 8 andthe power supply key 11 have been pressed, and sets an internal timer aswell (STEP 503). In reply to the detection signal from the slave CPU 6,the master CPU 5 detects whether switch disabling mode is stored in theRAM 3 (STEP 504).

The master CPU 5, upon detection of the switch-off disabling mode in theRAM 3, outputs a switch-off execution cancel instruction signal to theslave CPU 6 (STEP 505). In reply to the switch-off execution cancelinstruction signal from the master CPU 5, the slave CPU 6 resets theinternal timer (STEP 506).

Meanwhile, since the master CPU 5 does not output a switch-off executioncancel instruction signal unless it detects the switch-off disablingmode in the RAM 3, the slave CPU 6 waits for a time up of the internaltimer (STEP 507), and turns off the switch 8 at the time of the time upof the internal timer (STEP 508).

When the turn-off of the switch 8 is detected by the process in STEP502, the slave CPU 6 outputs a detection signal which indicates that theturn-off of the switch 8 and the power supply key 11 have been pressed,to the master CPU 5 (STEP 509). The master CPU 5, in reply to thedetection signal from the slave CPU 6, outputs a switch-on executioninstruction signal to the slave CPU 6 (STEP 510). In reply to theswitch-on execution instruction signal from the master CPU 5, the slaveCPU 6 turns on the switch 8 (STEP 511).

As mentioned in detail above, in FIG. 5, the slave CPU 6, instead ofturning off the switch 8 in response to the switch-off executioninstruction signal from the master CPU 5, may detect the turn-on of theswitch 8 and turn off the switch 8 at the time of the time up of theinternal timer.

As still further embodiment of the present invention will now beexplained in detail with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. In FIG. 6 andFIG. 7, operation of the keypad 10 allows setting of a switch-ondisabling mode.

In FIG. 6, once a predetermined key of the keypad 10 is pressed, thekeypad 10 outputs a switch-on control signal to the slave CPU 6 (STEP601).

The slave CPU 6 outputs a switch-on control signal to the master CPU 5(STEP 602). Responding to this, the master CPU 5 detects whetherswitch-on disabling mode is stored in RAM 3 (STEP 603).

Upon detection of the switch-on disabling mode in the RAM 3, the masterCPU 5 clears the switch-on disabling mode in the RAM 3 (STEP 604). Onthe other hand, the master CPU 5 writes the switch-on disabling mode inthe RAM 3 unless it detects the switch-on disabling mode in the RAM 3(STEP 605).

In FIG. 7, the keypad 10 outputs a power supply key-pressed signal tothe slave CPU 6 in cases where the power supply key 11 is pressed (STEP701). Responding to this, the slave CPU 6 detects whether the switch 8has been turned on (STEP 702).

Upon detecting that the switch 8 has been turned on, the slave CPU 6outputs to the master CPU 5 a detection signal which indicates that thepower supply key 11 has been pressed and the switch 8 has been turned on(STEP 703). The master CPU 5, with a detection signal inputted from theslave CPU 6 thereto, detects whether switch-off disabling mode is storedin the RAM 3 (STEP 704).

The master CPU 5 terminates its operation upon detection of theswitch-off disabling mode in the RAM 3.

On the other hand, the master CPU 5 terminates a call breaking operationin cases where no switch-off disabling mode is detected in the RAM 3(STEP 705). After completion of the call breaking operation, the masterCPU 5 outputs a switch-off execution instruction signal to the slave CPU6 (STEP 706). In reply to the switch-off execution instruction signalfrom the master CPU 5, the slave CPU 6 turns off the switch 8 (STEP707).

In cases where turn-off of the switch 8 is detected by the process inSTEP 702, the slave CPU 6 outputs to the master CPU 5 a detection signalwhich indicates that the power supply key 11 has been pressed (STEP708). The master CPU 5, in response to the detection signal, detectswhether switch-on disabling mode is stored in the RAM 3 (STEP 709). Themaster CPU 5 terminates its operation at the moment it detects theswitch-on disabling mode in the RAM 3.

On the other hand, the master CPU 5 outputs a switch-on executioninstruction signal to the slave CPU 6 unless the switch-on disablingmode is detected in the RAM 3 (STEP 710). The slave CPU 6 turns on theswitch 8 in response to the switch-on execution instruction signal fromthe master CPU 5 (STEP 711).

As mentioned in detail above, in FIGS. 6 and 7, there is no risk ofimpairing the battery saving efficiency of the power supply 9 due toerroneous turn-on of the switch 8 against the intention of the user ofthe radio equipment, since the master CPU 5 sets a switch-on executiondisabling mode upon operation of the keypad component 10.

Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of thepresent invention are possible in light of the above description. It is,therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of supplying power from a power unit forradio equipment, comprising the steps of:detecting an operation of apredetermined key; detecting a pressing of a power supply key; detectingan ON state of a power supply; disabling a turn-off of said powersupply; setting an adjustable timer to operate for an adjustable timeafter the power supply key is pressed; and turning off said power supplyat the end of the adjustable time set by said adjustable timer.
 2. Amethod of supplying power from a power supply unit for radio equipment,as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:detecting theoperation of said predetermined key again after said predetermined keyis operated; and turning off said power supply after detection of thepressing of said power supply key and the ON state of said power supply.3. A power supply unit for radio equipment comprising:input means havinga plurality of keys; power generator means for generating power;switching means, connected to said power generator means, for turningoff said power to said radio equipment; disabling means for disablingthe turn-off of said switching means in response to operation of apredetermined key of said input means; and an adjustable timer forsetting an adjustable time after one of said plurality of keys ispressed; said switching means turning off said power supply at the endof the adjustable time set by said adjustable timer.
 4. A power supplyunit for radio equipment comprising:input means having a plurality ofkeys; power generator means for generating power; switching means,connected to said power generator means, for turning on said power tosaid radio equipment; and disabling means for disabling the turn-on ofsaid switching means in response to a first operation of a predeterminedkey of said input means; said switching means turning on said powersupply when said predetermined key is operated again for a second time.5. A method of supplying power from a power supply unit for radioequipment, comprising the steps of:detecting a first operation of apredetermined key; detecting a first pressing of a power supply key;detecting an OFF state of a power supply; disabling a turn-on of saidpower supply in response to the first operation of said predeterminedkey; detecting a second operation of said predetermined key; enablingthe turn-on of said power supply in response to the second operation ofsaid predetermined key; and turning on said power supply after detectionof a second pressing of said power supply key and the OFF state of saidpower supply.